Civic Society warns Lace Market in danger of becoming ‘shabby again’

Nottingham’s historic Lace Market is starting to look ‘shabby’ again and needs an update – according to Nottingham’s Civic Society.

Group chairman Hilary Silvester said the area needs improvements on old properties, and bring back into use buildings which have become inhabited and derelict.

It comes after the area was regenerated over two decades after being declared a conservation area.

Developers turned many of its more eye-catching buildings into flats, student accommodation, offices and restaurants.

But some properties which changed hands during its revival remained empty for long periods.

Notts TV News reported on Thursday how one of the area’s oldest buildings, 41 Pilcher Gate, is now being turned into student accommodation after lying empty for more than a decade.

Ms Silvester said: “I think the Lace Market over the last few years has looked a bit weary – it was wonderful when it was first restored and the buildings retained from being demolished.

“Old owners have moved on and new owners perhaps haven’t been aware of the historical significance of the area – things have looked a bit shabby.”

In Pictures: Some of the Lace Market’s most eye-catching buildings

Once a centre of Britiain’s 19th Century lace industry, many of the Lace Market’s biggest buildings are now restored to their former glory, but Silvester thinks there is still a way to go.

She added: “It’s nice to see some of the buildings back to their proper selves again, and Nottingham owes itself to regenerate because the Lace Market is an especially attractive area which brings business and visitors – which is good for the economic activity of the city.”

The Nottingham Civic Society was set up to ensure that buildings in Nottingham were saved from demolition – the society works to save heritage buildings to keep them in use.

Number 41 Pilcher Gate, which was built in the 17th Century was originally a lace merchant’s house.

The Civic Society and local businesses have praised developers for making use of the building.

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